Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 26” .220 Swift Bolt Action Rifle Heavy Barrel
SOLD FOR: $1,775.00
LSB#: LSB251016KS075
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Standard Rifle
Serial Number: 453782
Year of Manufacture: 1959
Caliber: .220 Swift
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 26″ Heavy Contour. Barrel has been recrowned.
Sights/Optics: The iron sights have been removed and the holes plugged. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight. The top of the receiver has been drilled and tapped for a scope. There is a 10×43 Unertl installed in Leupold rings and bases. We cannot guarantee the functionality of optics.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one piece skip line checkered walnut, semi pistol grip, straight comb with a checkered Winchester steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from trigger to back of buttplate. There are scattered handling marks, scratches, and spots of light finish loss. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is very light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original finish. There is light finish wear from use overall. There are a couple very minor corrosion stains. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the top-rear rear of the control feed bolt. Pushed to the front the safety is OFF, pulled to the rear the safety is ON, locking both the bolt and the trigger. If pulled back half-way, it blocks only the trigger. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Scope as described above, and bipod.
Our Assessment: This pre-64 Winchester Model 70 dates to 1959 and represents the mature, late-production expression of Winchester’s most celebrated bolt action sporting rifle. Known universally as “The Rifleman’s Rifle,” the Model 70 earned its reputation through controlled round feed reliability, strong extractor design, and excellent ergonomics. The heavy contour 26 inch barrel places this example firmly in the precision and varmint rifle category, reflecting Winchester’s continued emphasis on accuracy and sustained fire capability during the postwar period.
Chambered in .220 Swift, this rifle is associated with one of the most influential high velocity cartridges ever produced. Introduced in the 1930s, the .220 Swift set velocity benchmarks that remained unmatched for decades and became a cornerstone of long range varmint shooting. The heavy barrel enhances thermal stability and consistency, and the bore remains bright with sharp rifling and only very light erosion, rating an excellent 9 out of 10. The rifle is fitted with a 10×43 Unertl scope in Leupold rings and bases, a period-correct optic combination commonly seen on serious varmint and target rifles of the era, though optical function has not been verified.
Overall condition is fine, retaining approximately 85 percent of its original blued finish with only light wear from use and a few very minor corrosion stains. The skip line checkered walnut stock remains very attractive, showing scattered handling marks and small areas of finish loss but no chips or cracks, and it retains its correct Winchester steel buttplate. Markings remain clear, and the screw heads, while tool marked, retain strong slots. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, and the three-position safety operates as designed, locking the bolt and trigger or allowing safe bolt manipulation. This rifle stands as a highly desirable example of a late pre-64 Model 70 heavy barrel varmint rifle in one of Winchester’s most iconic chamberings. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!! MF
